The cold weather serves as his motivation for taking part in the fundraiser each year.

“The colder it gets, the more motivated I get,” he says. “On average, Community Care helps 1,850 households per month. Of those households, 40 to 50 per cent have children in them. For me, this number is staggering. While it is not the most comfortable five days a year, it is still only five days a year.”

The 15 students taking part in this year’s fundraiser will be joined outside for one night by Goodman School of Business Dean Don Cyr, who hopes his presence will inspire his colleagues to support the cause.

He and Goodman student Katey Gatta will also be busking outside Taro Hall on Thursday, March 13 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Cyr is also asking for more than just spare change from his colleagues at Brock. He is challenging each of his fellow deans and senior administrators at the University to join him on March 13 to spend the night outside or support the cause with a $200 donation.

“Over the last five years Brock students have shown incredible leadership and dedication to raising awareness and funds,” says Cyr. “This isn’t an easy fundraiser. It’s a realistic portrait of how difficult life is for our community’s most needy.”

Betty-Lou Souter of Community Care/Housing Help of St. Catharines and Thorold knows first-hand the struggles of the homeless and the near-homeless.

“In 2013, Housing Help received almost 14,000 phone calls from individuals who needed assistance with issues related to housing and homelessness,” says Souter.

“And many of these calls were from youths between 16 and 24 years of age. That’s the same age range as the students who are taking part in 5 Days for the Homeless. We at Community Care thank Brock University and the 5 Days for the Homeless students for choosing to be the one to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Brock’s Goodman School of Business Students’ Association has been co-ordinating the University’s involvement in 5 Days for the Homeless since 2008.

From March 9-14, donations of non-perishable food and money will be accepted outside Taro Hall at Brock.

Donations are also always accepted at Community Care’s warehouse at 12 North St. in St. Catharines.

A benefit concert for the 5-day fundraiser is also happening Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at Isaac’s Bar and Grill.

1 Response for “Brock students, Goodman Dean, live homeless for local charity”

This is really a motivating program i wish to participate in this program once i come to canada. I love people who are working on well being of others. God also reward such people. You guys are great. Love your efforts and courage. I wish to participate next year.